Lemmon’s Canarygrass: A California Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about California native plants, you might have stumbled across the intriguing name Lemmon’s canarygrass (Phalaris lemmonii). This annual grass represents one of those quiet natives that doesn’t make headlines but plays its own special role in the Golden State’s diverse plant communities.
What Is Lemmon’s Canarygrass?
Lemmon’s canarygrass is an annual grass that belongs to the large and varied world of grasses, sedges, and other grass-like plants. As its scientific name Phalaris lemmonii suggests, it’s part of the canarygrass family, though it’s quite different from some of its more well-known (and sometimes troublesome) relatives.
This native California species has earned its place as a true local, being indigenous to the lower 48 states with its home range centered in California. Unlike some plants that spread far and wide, Lemmon’s canarygrass seems content to call the Golden State home.
Where Does It Like to Live?
Here’s where things get interesting for habitat-conscious gardeners. Lemmon’s canarygrass holds a Facultative Wetland status in both the Arid West and Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast regions. This means it usually hangs out in wetland areas but can occasionally venture into drier territories – making it somewhat flexible in its habitat preferences.
This wetland affinity suggests that if you’re working with a water-wise garden, rain garden, or restoration project near streams, ponds, or seasonal wet areas, this grass might deserve a spot on your consideration list.
The Reality Check: Limited Cultivation Information
Now for the honest truth that every native plant enthusiast faces from time to time: Lemmon’s canarygrass is one of those species where detailed growing information is surprisingly scarce. While we know it’s an annual California native with wetland tendencies, specific details about its height, spread, exact growing requirements, and ornamental characteristics aren’t well-documented in typical gardening resources.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it just means this grass operates more in the realm of specialized restoration projects and wildlife habitat creation rather than mainstream landscaping.
Should You Plant It?
The short answer is: it depends on your goals and situation. Here are some considerations:
- For restoration projects: If you’re working on wetland restoration or habitat creation in California, this native annual could be valuable
- For wildlife habitat: As a native grass, it likely provides some benefits to local wildlife, though specific details aren’t well-documented
- For typical landscaping: You might want to consider better-known California native grasses with more available growing information
Alternative Native Grasses to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of native California grasses but want something with more established cultivation practices, consider these alternatives:
- Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) – California’s state grass
- Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens) – excellent for dry gardens
- California fescue (Festuca californica) – shade tolerant
- Blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus) – good for slopes and erosion control
The Bottom Line
Lemmon’s canarygrass represents the fascinating world of lesser-known native plants. While it may not be the star of your garden design, it serves as a reminder that California’s plant diversity includes many species that work quietly behind the scenes in natural ecosystems.
If you do encounter this grass in the wild or through specialized native plant sources, appreciate it for what it is: a piece of California’s natural heritage that prefers life near water and completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season. Sometimes the most interesting natives are the ones that keep a bit of mystery about them.
